St. Patrick's Day Events in Vancouver for Kids & Families

All-Ages St. Patrick's Day Events in Vancouver, BC

Every year, Vancouver goes all-out for its St. Patrick's Day celebrations, including 19+ parties at Vancouver Irish pubs where the green beer and whiskey flow freely. But that doesn't mean St. Patrick's Day in Vancouver is only for adults; there are many all-ages events that let families with kids (even very young kids) enjoy the festivities, too, on and around March 17.

The Blarney Stone in Gastown typically hosts an all-ages St. Patrick's Day Party on March 17 that starts at 9:00 a.m. and includes an Irish breakfast buffet, street performers, Irish dancers, circus acts, and balloon twisting. Kids 12 and under get free admission; the party is all-ages from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (after that it becomes 19+).

A "flat and fast" 5k run through scenic Stanley Park, this St. Patrick's Day tradition is great for all ages and abilities. Taking place on Saturday, March 17, 2018, this annual event is a fundraiser the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), and includes a fun after-party for all participants.

CelticFest Vancouver, western Canada's largest Celtic celebration and the organizer of the Vancouver St. Patrick's Day Parade, is well known for bringing incredible Celtic music to Vancouver's 19+ bars and clubs. But the festival also includes two free St. Patrick's Day events in Vancouver for kids and families: the Celtic Village & Street Market and live music at Tom Lee Music Hall.

The Celtic Village & Street Market in previous years has happened at and around Robson Square in downtown Vancouver, but will not be occurring in 2018. The events included a craft market and live music, and were enjoyed before and after the Parade (which also is not occurring in 2018).

In previous years, free Irish music and dancing could be enjoyed at the Tom Lee Music Hall, but there are no details yet for 2018.

The Vancouver St. Patrick's Day Parade was cancelled in 2017 and 2018 due to lack of sponsorship.

Obviously, the biggest St. Patrick Day event in Vancouver for kids is the annual Vancouver St. Patrick's Day Parade. Marching its way through Downtown Vancouver, the Parade features award-winnning pipe and drum bands, Celtic musicians, acrobats and stilt walkers, Scottish and Irish dancers, and vintage cars.

Tip: Don't drive to the Vancouver St. Patrick's Day Parade! Avoid parking and traffic woes by taking the Canada Line / SkyTrain (Vancouver's rapid transit trains). Both the Canada Line's Vancouver City Centre Station and SkyTrain's Granville Station are within walking distance of the parade.